Israeli media: Police question Netanyahu's wife on spending

Updated 3:34 pm, Thursday, December 1, 2016

Photo: Riccardo De Luca, AP

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FILE - In this Israeli Dec. 1, 2013. file photo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu listens to his wife Sara during a meeting with the Roman Jewish Community at the Great Synagogue in Rome. Israeli media say police are questioning the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over her alleged improper use of public funds. According to multiple media reports, police are looking into claims that Sara Netanyahu used state funds to care for her late father, to pay for private chefs at private family events, and to furnish the Netanyahus' private home near the Mediterranean beach. less

FILE - In this Israeli Dec. 1, 2013. file photo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu listens to his wife Sara during a meeting with the Roman Jewish Community at the Great Synagogue in Rome. Israeli media say ... more

Police had previously questioned Sara Netanyahu on the matter and in May, according to Israeli media, recommended that she be indicted on charges of aggravated fraud in three separate cases. But no indictment has been issued. Thursday's questioning was related to new evidence that has emerged, according to the reports.

The Netanyahus deny wrongdoing. They have long faced scrutiny over their spending and have fended off accusations that their lifestyles are out of touch with ordinary Israelis.

Mrs. Netanyahu has long been a lightning rod of controversy, from her supposed interference in state affairs and influence over her husband to allegedly abusive treatment of staff. Supporters say the criticism, which dates back to the 1990s, is malicious.

In May, a former employee of the prime minister's residence was awarded some $25,000 in damages for Mrs. Netanyahu's behavior, which he said included forcing him back to work late at night because he had failed to say a proper goodnight when he left.

In February, an Israeli court ruled that Mrs. Netanyahu mistreated and abused a former member of her housekeeping staff, awarding the man $42,000 in damages.